Journey To College

"Hi Lhasang!" I phoned her early that morning. It was a very special day for us. We're finally on the way of fulfilling our dreams and desires or more significantly, shaping our future. We're finally done with mundane high school activities. We're heading for college, which we consider as the Heaven for students.

"Yes Dawa!" She replied, inquisitively.

"Are you ready?"

"Yes! I am coming near Tsirang. What about you and your friends?

"Yeah, we're almost done."

"OK. Wait there at Gelephu. I would reach there between half to one hour."

"OK. Come faster. We're waiting for you! " I replied. I felt exquisite euphoria since I am getting a chance to study with her. My dreams and aspirations are coming near so-called success.

I woke up and as usual, I went to the bathroom for ablution. I came back and did necessary dressing cause I have to be looking handsome especially to Lhasang. I applied some Nivea face cream, gelled my hair, wore the recently bought Buray robe which was very costly and sprayed civet. In Bhutan, gown like Keshu Thara is very expensive due to its intricate pattern and marvel--embroidery.

I went to the sitting room where my mom and dad were waiting patiently. Due to eagerness and extreme curiosity, I didn't feel like taking food but as it is going to be the last for at least three years until I return, I cannot get opportunity to taste home-made comestibles.

"Hi mom! Hi dad!" I greeted them raising my hands in the air.

"Oh hello." Both of them greeted me back. Their godly faces revealed how happy were they to send me to the college despite it being expensive. I too was feeling the same since none of my siblings could fulfil their dreams.

"Good morning, son!" Dad patted on my shoulder and helped me to sit on my chair. "Today, we are really happy to see our child going to college. It was our dream to see you being selected in the renowned college, the RUB. That's why, son, keep this in mind and study hard."

"I know, dad, how much both of you are happy like me today. It's going to be history in our dynasty dad...hahaha!" I teased him and felt equally happy, too. They laughed and I too join them.

I ate the breakfast that my mom prepared. It was indigenous red rice, chicken roast, fried fish, ema datshi, mushroom datshi, tomato sauce, dal and dairy. Since it's going to be last for at least three years at the minimum, she had prepared so many combustibles.

It was 9: 30 a.m.

The bell rung. Mom went to address.

After sometime:

"Dawa? A girl by the name Lhasang is calling you! Come here." My mom called me. I felt guilty by keeping it for myself which, above all, is important.

"OK. I am coming!" I replied scratching my head when I saw her smiling. She was like a fairy in my my eyes. I smiled back to her sheepishly. "Mom? She is Lhasang. We two will be studying together for three years." I finally splitted the bean. She smiled blinking her eyes.

"Hello mom! I am Lhasang from Thimphu. We met when he had gone for a week." She smiled at me. Her smile floated as a fragrance through the air of my heart.

"I understood...ummm...Now don't waste your time. It's getting late. Your friends might be waiting you two." She patted on my shoulder and went inside the room.

We two remained staring and exchanging smiles and nothing came more than that. I was speechless , totally mum. She raised her eyebrows a centimeter or two to ask me why I am staring at her. I couldn't speak but smile.

"Here it's your sets!" Mom and dad brought the luggage and loaded on the hood of the cab. Lhasang caught my hand and smiled. We entered inside the cab and waved a good-bye to my parents. We left Sarpang for Kanglung, Tashigang.